Update: Fear of Flying App + Promo Giveaway
6:28 am, November 5th, 2009, Nicole Martinelli
Virgin’s new Flying Without Fear app — an interactive guide to easing panic — left us with a few questions that we got answered by Mickey Beyer-Clausen, who co-developed the app for Mental Workout.
CoM: Can you use the app during take off and landing?
MBC: Unfortunately, passengers cannot use any electronic device – including the iPhone in airplane mode – during take-off and landing but the app is developed to prepare users for flight whereby making the brief “no electronics” period at the beginning and end of the flight more manageable.
The panic button is intended to be used during the flight when turbulence is encountered or other events occur which make the user uncomfortable.
CoM: So how are people supposed to use it?
MBC: Users of the app will have access to a customized program preparing them for their future flight which includes fear therapy for take-off and landing if they have specified this as a fear.
They can watch a video-based in-flight explanation of things that occur during flight, listen to FAQs, practice relaxation exercises, and learn how to breathe correctly when they are about to have an anxiety attack.
Virgin’s mobile panic app may be the shape of things to come — we also heard from Lisa Hauptner, VP of Fear of Flying, which already offers help for flight panic via phone, live chat, DVD and MP3. Hauptner told us that her company is considering adding an app, but will wait to see how Virgin’s program fares.
While we’re still not sure the app would be much help for serious flight phobias, there’s only one way to find out.
If you’d like to try the app — and let us know whether it alleviated any fears or left you spinning in your plane seat — we have a promo code.
Leave a comment about your scariest flight OR your latest flight of fancy.
Posted by Nicole Martinelli in News, iPhone, iPhone Apps, iPod Touch | Comment on this article
Why would they have used so much of the color red? And a dark, gloomy one at that!
Shouldn’t a calming app be in sky blue, or meadow green? ..hell, I’d even prefer a happy pink one over this color scheme
Herman, on November 5th, 2009 at 6:57 am
I think I am going to die on every flight. And I am not even an overly anxious person. Although I also used to check on every family member before i went to sleep
This is the program I am going through – http://bit.ly/forpanic – i love it though. An App for fear. What will they think of next? Can they get me an app to get the guy of your dreams?
Be healthy
Michelle, on November 5th, 2009 at 7:25 am
I never had a problem with flying until last year– and boy, it was HORRIBLE! Of course it was a non-stop cross-country flight; the longest 4 hours of my life. Still not sure what changed, but would love to try out the app to see if it helps.
leslie, on November 5th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Hi, I´m from Brazil.
After some years flying, I started having anxiety attacks. Every take-off and landing makes me so unconfortble…
I hope this app can help me to feel better.
I´d like to try the app.
Thanks.
Fábio, on November 5th, 2009 at 8:42 am
I need a app like this. I am afraid of flying:(
Phil, on November 5th, 2009 at 8:42 am
i am totally afraid of flyin in airplane. i need the app.
HBB, on November 5th, 2009 at 10:32 am
I’m interested in trying this out. I have three trips set up for the next three months.
Paul, on November 5th, 2009 at 11:21 am
While I’m a huge iPhone fan, I find this to be a bit gimmicky. It is interesting that the devices must be turned off during takeoff and landings – both times of intense panic for people with a fear of flying. Actually the fear of flying kicks in long before getting on the airplane.
Gimmicks can be fun. Though for lasting benefits it’s better to use tried and true techniques.
Pilot DJ Frost, on November 5th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
I have a real fear of flying, so I thought I’d give this a go. Whilst not really what I was expecting (I was expecting more than a you tube style video and some Q&A with a Pilot), it did answer some of my questions.
Branson’s intro looked like he was caught off guard. Could have been done better.
The voice in panic mode is AWFUL but I guess that could be a good distraction.
Alex H, on November 5th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
As a Clinical Psychologist who treats anxiety disorders especially Fear of Flying, and the President of a Macintosh User Group (iMUG in Australia), I have a few thoughts to share:
1. It’s great to see a major airline be innovative using Apple products.
2. Virgin UK brings its marketing savvy to mental health, a field often blighted by stigma.
3. Its app focusses on some of the major issues faced by fearful flyers, and uses techniques well-known to be efficacious when applied well
4. My prediction based on decades of working with groups (for an Airline) and with individuals: A small number of people will be helped to overcome their fears based on following the information and strategies the app contains. This is also the case for the many books, DVDs and online programs currently available. A much larger group with strong physiological signs and symptoms and other fears (tunnels, confinement, panic, falling, motion sensitivity) will be better off seeking individual assistance. I know, sounds like I’m tooting my horn, but if it was that easy you wouldn’t see so many books and DVDs and online courses touting guaranteed success. I wish it was that easy, and one session treatment was the norm.
Les Posen, on November 5th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I have had a fear of flying for many years. I have gone to American Airlines fear of flying school and that was somewhat helpful. They provide tools and notecards very similar to what this app describes. Very interested in trying this app.
David, on November 5th, 2009 at 5:38 pm